Pastoral Staff

Pastor Jack Shannon, Senior Pastor. Pastor Jack was called to serve as Associate Pastor of ALC in March of 2011 and assumed the role of Senior Pastor on May 21, 2012.  He previously served Lutheran congregations in Billings and Bigfork, Montana.  Pastor Jack graduated from Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa in 1993 and holds a Masters degree in Rehabilitation Counseling (1985) and Bachelors degree in Secondary Education (1980) from Montana State University-Billings. Prior to attending seminary Pastor Jack was employed as a licensed substance abuse counselor and also the director of a substance abuse treatment center. His favorite Bible verse is Jeremiah 29:11. Pastor Jack is married to LuAnne and they have two grown children, Tomren and Jaclyn.

 Pastor Wally Cole, Visitation Pastor.  Pastor Wally, at age 83, is well into his 17th year as part-time Visitation Pastor at ALC.  His wife of 56 years, Fern, volunteers at Yavapai Regional Medical Center and in the ALC congregation.  Pastor Wally and Fern lived for 25 years in the Navajo Nation, where Wally was pastor of a Navajo Lutheran church and director of a school and clinic.  They have two sons, two delightful daughters-in-law, and six grandchildren, all of whom are active in their local congregations.

Program Staff

Jim Klein, Minister of Music.  Jim has served as Minister of Music at ALC since 1990, where he directs six vocal choirs, five handbell choirs, and a chime choir for disabled adults.  He received a B.A. from Augustana College (SD) in piano performance and choral music education and a  M.A. from University of Iowa in music education.  In 1999 he was presented the Barbara McClurg Creativity and Innovation Award at Yavapai College as Artistic Director of the YC Master Chorale, which he directed for 14 years.  Jim and his wife, Eileen (ALC’s organist), are parents of two grown children, Eric and Julie.

Jake Madlock, Director of Contemporary Music.  Jake has been the Director of Contemporary Music since 2009.  He started playing on worship teams as a kid at his parents church in Oklahoma.  In his early 20’s Jake lived and worked in Nashville to learn more about songwriting and to become a better musician.  During this time he gained experience and knowledge from seasoned veterans in the music industry.  He moved to Arizona in 2005 and loves being in the dry warm climate.  Jake has a wide range of musical influences from: Third Day, Paul Baloche, Danny Chambers to Stevie Ray Vaughn, John Mayer and Brad Paisley.  Jake is married to his wonderful wife Jenni and they have four beautiful children: Karen, Megan, Abby and Caleb.

Adam Bretz, Director of Student Ministry.  Adam, also known as “AB,” was raised in Princeton, KY. He has two brothers and one sister.  Adam was not raised in the church; he found Jesus while in middle school and later dedicated his life to doing the work of God.  Helping others become overwhelmed by the love of Jesus is his dream job; his second dream would be playing quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys. It was at Western Kentucky University where he met his now wife, Laura.  Adam has worked with students for the past 4 years in both Livingston, TX and Nashville, TN.  Adam graduated May 2011 with a major in Religious Studies and a minor in Communications.  Adam and his new wife, Laura were married on December 12, 2011 and have 2 dogs, Rupp and Cali. In their recent vows Laura had to pledge to bleed University of Kentucky blue and Adam professed to finally cheer for the St. Louis Cardinals.  It is both of their passions to see people respond to the love of Jesus in their lives. and God’s great love for them is the motivation behind their work.

Debbie Smith, Director of Children’s Ministry

Kathy Lilley, Assistant Director of Children’s Ministry.  Kathy has been a member of American Lutheran Church since 2005. She has served the congregation in many ways: on the Church Council as a member of the Board of Education, with Women of Wisdom (WOW), teaching Sunday School, greeting at Walk Through Bethlehem, and working at Vacation Bible School.  Kathy moved to Arizona in 1977 from New Jersey; she and her husband, Dave, have been married since 1987.  They have 3 grown children, Brandon, Brittany, and Brady.  Kathy worked at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church as the Director of Children’s Ministries for six years.  Prior to ALC, Kathy worked with the Special Needs community: she was employed for 3 years with People First and the City of Prescott SNAP program, which provides monthly activities such as dances, bingo, arts and crafts, swimming, workouts, and social opportunities.  Kathy also leads the SNAP Signers, a group of 40 special needs adults who have performed throughout the state of Arizona.

Eileen Klein, Organist.  Eileen has served as Organist and choir accompanist since 1990.  Prior to this position, she served in the same capacity in Huron, SD for 13 years, also at American Lutheran Church.  She has accompanied various groups at the Prescott Center for the Arts as well as the accompanist for the Yavapai College Master Chorale.  She also is the Administrative Assistant in the College of Engineering at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Parish Life Staff

Kate Howell, Director of Administration.  Kate came to Prescott in 2005 by way of Phoenix, NYC, and Chicago.  Raised in rural northwest OH, she is from German Lutheran farming heritage; in fact, the paternal branch of her family tree can be traced to 16th century Mansfeld, Germany (Martin Luther’s “hometown”).  When not at ALC, Kate keeps busy with her band, Hometown Heroes; Prescott Center for the Arts; 3 dogs; and a precocious first-grader.

Geri Onnen, Administrative Assistant I

Donna Ellsworth, Administrative Assistant II.  “I would like to thank everyone who so warmly welcomed me into the daily bustle of the Parish Life department.  I was raised in an Assembly of God church and have known Jesus as my Savior since the age of fifteen; He is my source of joy and strength. I fell in love with Prescott after attending church camp as a child, and I remember praying that one day I could call this beautiful town home.  I moved here from Parker, Arizona, where I raised my family, built my life and a business, and after twenty-five years in the desert, God answered my prayer and brought me up to the mountains!   I look forward to each day, each opportunity, and meeting each of you.  I am so very blessed to be part of an amazing staff and church family.”

Jennifer Madlock, Receptionist.  The newest member of the ALC Parish Life Staff, Jennifer has been a member of ALC since 2009 and is married to Director of Contemporary Music, Jake Madlock.  She has lived in Arizona all of her life and is part of the Perkins family, AZ ranchers for the past hundred years.  She grew up working on her parents’ ranch and still loves to ride and work cattle there when she can.  Jennifer has 3 wonderful girls and an awesome stepson.  She is very excited to now be a part of the ALC staff and looks forward to seeing what God has planned in her family’s lives as they start this new chapter.

Ed Halstead, Food Services Coordinator.   Ed was born in Los Angeles, CA and moved to Prescott from Santa Barbara, CA in 2005.  Ed and his wife, Theresa just celebrated their 40th anniversary; they have 3 grown sons and 9 grandchildren in California.  Ed was in the real estate banking business, helping Theresa part-time with her catering business.  They eventually opened a restaurant and sold it five years later.  He then went into the mortgage business at World Savings & Loan, where he was a Loan Manager.  Ed has degrees in Business from UCLA, but he always goes back to the “food business” and volunteering at community events.  He has served as Head Chef for CASA’s “Meals-on-Wheels” program, served as BBQ Chef for the California Angels baseball team during spring training in Tempe, AZ, and opened a café at the KOA Campground in Williams, AZ.

Larry Lee, A/V Technician.  Larry is a native Arizonan. Born at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Phoenix, he grew up in the small desert town of Eloy. At the age of 15 , playing combo organ, he joined his first “professional” rock band, Ember Days; they played around the Pinal County area for many years. He later attended G.C.U. where he received his B.A. degree in Music Theory / Composition. In the 80s he moved to California where he did piano studio work for various artists in the L.A. area. While working at Downey Music Center he hooked up with Ronnie Reyes (of Cannibal and the Headhunters), and joined his band, The Boomers. Doing fill-in work with Ronnie (and the Headhunters) he has performed at concerts which billed acts such as Carlos Santana, Jerry Garcia, Mickey Dolenz, Sugarloaf, El Chicano, Los Lobos, and many others. He moved to the Prescott area in the 90s where he has played with local groups such as Truly Reckless, Off the Record, Instant Replay, and currently, the Karma Band. And for the past 20 years Larry has played on church worship teams, beginning with Ontario Calvary Chapel worship team in Ontario, CA. Here in Prescott he has played with the Calvary Chapel worship team, and currently the American Lutheran Church worship team, Sunday’s Calling.

Denny Larson, Custodian.  Denny moved to Prescott 18 years ago from Minnesota and has been married to wife, Cheryle for 42 years.  They have two adult children and one grand-daughter, all living in the tri-city area.  Denny served ALC for thirteen years as a full-time custodian, retiring in 2009, and returned in August 2012.  “I am so thankful and looking forward to serving ALC once again on a part-time basis.”

Phillip Bucklein, Custodian

Cinda Kasun, Bookkeeper

American Lutheran School (Preschool)

Lori Barbe, Director of American Lutheran School. Lori grew up in thePhoenix area, graduated from NAU and moved toHilton Head Island, SC, where she met her husband, Barry.  After 8 years in South Carolina she and Barry moved to Prescott in 1998.  Lori has been involved with American Lutheran Church and School since 2001.  Three of their four children attended ALS; Lori was on the school board for 4 years and has been the Director since 2008.  Lori loves working with preschoolers and has the best job in the whole world!